Pastoral care
Raelene Hall
Organised religion doesn’t always play a huge role in the lives of Outback Australians, but spirituality is a big part of our lives. In times of need you always know friends and neighbours will be there for you. I miss going to Mass but, looking at the magnificent land we live in, I know God is close to me in every day.
Geographical isolation makes it almost impossible for me to attend Mass on a regular basis, being 214km from the nearest town and parish. However there is much in my life that helps me stay in touch with the church.
Early in our married life we had our first visit from the Good Samaritan nuns based in Mt Magnet, WA, 500km south of us. The time they spent with us was like having a visit from good friends, even though we’d never met before. We chatted and laughed, talking about everything under the sun. They were keen to play with the children, see the garden and extend a helping hand in any way possible.
This relationship with the Good Sammy nuns (as we came to call them) continues today, although some have moved on and others taken their place. They have helped our children prepare for and celebrate the sacraments through written worksheets and personal visits. We have laughed and cried together.
The Good Sammy nuns have been a great support to me in maintaining my religion in our isolated home but there have been others who have also helped me. In our area the Uniting Church have Patrol Padres who travel the area visiting families. One very special padre, who has become a close friend of ours, used to introduce himself to people by saying, ‘Hi, I am Joe I am spiritual, not religious’.
This was particularly important for the males of the Outback areas who tend to disappear to the far end of the property if anyone mentions organised religion. This gentleman would discuss any issues that people were interested in, whether it be stock prices, weather, families or health. If you wished to discuss religion that was fine too.
The special bond you have with people in your area, even though separated by huge distances, is truly a spiritual one. I recall having a colicky baby, two children I needed to teach, and the men out mustering. My neighbour from 100km away rang and said she was sending a parcel on the mail and it was perishable so I should open it immediately it arrived. When I received the package and opened it I found an entire meal, which only needed to be heated and served. To me that is not only true friendship but also a truly Christian gesture.
We also have a wonderful rapport with the Oblate priests at our sons’ boarding school. One of them has been to visit us in our home and celebrated Mass for us around the kitchen table. Last time he visited we’d just had the news of a terrible tragedy which impacted on the lives of three families in our area. We held a Mass in memory of the lives lost and to give us some way of trying to come terms with such a shocking tragedy.
My other lifeline is reading. There are some wonderful publications available today, some offering daily prayers, others thought-provoking texts on religion and its place in the world today, as well as many inspirational books which can be read in a spare moment.
When it all seems too difficult and God is just too far away I often find solace in the environment in which we live. The contrasting colours of blue sky and red earth, the magnificent sunsets and rising of the moon, the new growth following rain, rainbows and wildlife all make me realise how very fortunate we are. I don’t need to attend Mass on a regular basis to realise I have a wonderful marriage, three healthy children and a wonderful life.
To quote my beloved Mum who has passed away, ‘You don’t have to be in a church to pray’.
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